We’re firming our credentials by the day in the Westfield W-League as we continue to climb towards another finals appearance.
Jake Goodship’s side have recorded five wins from their last five games, scoring an incredible 19 goals in that period, to have us on the cusp of booking our spot in the Westfield W-League Finals Series.
While we’re lighting it up on the pitch, we’ve taken a look at some of the league’s key statistics and how our players are shaping up against the rest of the competition.
GOALS SCORED
There’s no doubting the Roar boast the hottest attack in the Westfield W-League right now. Nineteen goals from the past five matches is well clear of any other side, led by current front runner for the Golden Boot, Emily Gielnik, who has nine goals in her last six matches.
It’s the spread of scorers Jake Goodship’s side has that is most impressive. Ten different players have contributed to the league-high 21 goals so far this season.
ASSISTS
While she’s been desperately unlucky to not have a goal of her own this campaign, Isobel Dalton’s creativity in midfield can’t be understated. The young Queenslander has been an absolute rock in the centre of the park, forming a crucial link between defence and attack, and putting it on a dime for those forward of her – she sits alongside Sydney FC’s Teresa Polias with a league-high five assists so far.
SHOTS
It’s simply a matter of saying best of luck when the Roar attack is on song so far this season. Brisbane’s 174 shots is 37 more than any other side has fired at goal so far this campaign, while Emily Gielnik’s 49 is almost double any opponent.
CREATIVE INFLUENCE
In her first Westfield W-League season, Mariel Hecher has been a star on the flanks for the Roar. After scoring her maiden goal on the Gold Coast, followed up by a game-winning strike in Melbourne a week later, the Brazilian has been one of the league’s most creative forces, sitting third in the league for chances created (18) and second for crosses (43).
POSSESSION, POSSESSION & MORE POSSESSION
Just about every outfield player touched the ball in the lead-up to Larissa Crummer’s return goal against Perth Glory on Sunday, not for the first time this season, and it’s no surprise when you break down the numbers.
Roarcelona ? @brisbaneroar#WLeague #ForTheCrest pic.twitter.com/0k3cfQ3zhi
— Westfield W-League (@WLeague) February 24, 2021
Four of the league’s top five players for passing don orange and black. Kim Carroll leads the way, closely followed by fellow defenders Clare Polkinghorne, Winonah Heatley and Jamilla Rankin, as well as Isobel Dalton.
The Roar’s 4,326 passes to date this season is in excess of 500 more than any other side.
DEFENSIVE WALL
The Roar’s back four, as mentioned above, have been an absolute colossus throughout the opening two thirds of the season – not only in defence, but providing regular threats in attack as well.
Boasting a superb mix of Westfield Matildas experience and two young stars building the foundations for stellar careers in Winonah Heatley and Jamilla Rankin, it’s no surprise that the Roar holds the league’s best defensive record with just six goals conceded and four clean sheets to boot.